Ngai Tahu leader Mark Solomon is urging locals to continue sticking together a year on from the Christchurch earthquake.
Mr Solomon says although some memories may be starting to fade, people should continue to strengthen their bonds.
He is asking people to remember how well they worked together in the first hours, days, weeks and months after the destruction.
Mr Solomon says Wednesday's anniversary is a time of reflection - with thoughts first and foremost with those who lost loved ones in the earthquake.
He says the South Island iwi will continue to help people where it can.
